National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain stated that Bangladesh’s 2026 national election was never intended to be a mere transfer of power but a platform for structural reform. Speaking at the National Youth Power Representative Conference in Dhaka’s Shahbagh, he said the election has been turned into a political showdown rather than a movement for change.

Hossain emphasized that the NCP’s long-standing goal was to move beyond what he described as a ‘fascist framework’ and to establish a new political structure for Bangladesh. He criticized major parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, for sidelining reform discussions and focusing solely on strategies for regaining or seizing power.

He further argued that both ruling and opposition groups are misleading the public with half-truths about governance experience and promises of change. Hossain urged citizens to recognize these patterns and to prioritize genuine reform in the upcoming election cycle.

Advocate Md. Shahjahan Mia, Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for the Chandpur-3 constituency, intensified his election campaign ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. On December 9, he conducted day-long outreach across multiple villages and markets in Chandra Union, engaging directly with voters through rallies, yard meetings, and door-to-door visits.

During his campaign, Mia emphasized his vision for a just and responsible governance system, free from corruption and injustice. He pledged to strengthen state initiatives for women’s dignity, safety, and empowerment, and to ensure free education for meritorious students from underprivileged families. He also promised increased government incentives for farmers, improved access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural machinery.

Local Jamaat leaders and supporters joined the campaign, reporting growing enthusiasm among residents. Mia stated that if elected, he aims to build a modern and prosperous Chandpur, prioritizing citizens’ rights and social justice.

Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has announced an urgent press conference amid growing speculation that he may contest in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The announcement comes as the Election Commission prepares to meet the President to finalize the election schedule. Mahmud, a key figure in the July student uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government, currently serves as adviser to the Local Government and Youth and Sports ministries.

Public relations officials confirmed that the briefing will address current political issues, though no indication has been given regarding Mahmud’s resignation or candidacy. Previously, Mahmud stated his intention to run as an independent candidate from a Dhaka constituency, having transferred his voter registration from Comilla-3 to Dhaka. Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam has clarified that advisers cannot contest while holding office.

The press conference is expected to clarify Mahmud’s political stance and potential resignation timeline, as the newly formed National Citizens Party prepares to release its candidate list on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Education in Bangladesh has introduced a new policy prohibiting teachers and employees under the Monthly Payment Order (MPO) scheme from holding multiple jobs or engaging in other profit-making professions, including journalism and law. Violation of this rule may result in the cancellation of MPO benefits. The 61-page policy also allows for the transfer of MPO-listed teachers to other institutions if vacancies exist and permits the appointment of BCS General Education Cadre officers as heads of MPO institutions on deputation.

The new framework outlines staffing structures, recruitment conditions, and benefit adjustments for private schools and colleges. Teachers have expressed mixed reactions—some welcome the reforms for improving discipline and transparency, while others fear certain provisions could create inequality. Over 600,000 teachers and staff currently receive MPO benefits, including basic salary and allowances.

Recently, the government also decided to raise the house rent allowance for MPO-listed teachers to 15% of their basic pay, implemented in two phases between 2025 and 2026, following sustained teacher protests.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman issued a personal apology to retired Major General Syed Fatemi Ahmed Rumi, former director general of the Special Security Force (SSF), during a virtual address at a meeting with retired military officers in Dhaka’s Gulshan on Tuesday night. The event, chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, brought together 101 retired officers from the army, navy, and air force.

Rahman recalled a past incident during a political procession where he had spoken harshly to Rumi and expressed regret for his behavior, saying he had long sought an opportunity to apologize. Rumi accepted the apology graciously. Rahman also spoke about his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia’s connection with the armed forces, emphasizing the family’s long-standing respect for defense personnel.

Mirza Fakhrul urged party unity ahead of the upcoming national election, warning against misinformation and calling for resilience in the face of political and cyber challenges. He dismissed speculation that India’s stance was preventing Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman issued a public apology to retired Major General Sadiq Hasan Rumi during a virtual meeting with over a hundred retired military officers on Tuesday night. The meeting, held at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, was attended by senior party leaders including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who presided over the session.

Speaking from London, Rahman recalled an incident from a past political rally where he had behaved rudely toward Rumi, then serving as the Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). Rahman expressed regret for his conduct and said he had long sought an opportunity to apologize. In response, Rumi thanked him and said he would remember the gesture.

The meeting was part of BNP’s broader outreach to retired armed forces personnel. Party insiders said such engagements aim to strengthen ties with former defense officials ahead of potential political mobilizations. Several senior BNP leaders and retired officers also delivered remarks emphasizing unity and national service.

Allies of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are set to meet on Wednesday in Dhaka’s Paltan area amid growing unease over seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming 13th national election. The meeting, to be held at the Nagorik Oikya office, will include leaders from Ganatantra Mancha, the 12-Party Alliance, Gana Odhikar Parishad, Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote, Nezame Islami Party, and Gano Forum, among others.

The gathering follows BNP’s announcement of candidates for 272 parliamentary constituencies, leaving 28 seats unallocated, which the party says are mostly reserved for allies. However, several alliance members have expressed frustration, claiming BNP declared its candidate lists without prior consultation. Some unregistered allies reportedly sought nominations under BNP’s symbol but were excluded. BNP sources insist the party values its partners and aims to resolve the dispute while maintaining unity.

The Election Commission is expected to announce the official election schedule this week, intensifying political maneuvering among opposition blocs seeking to present a united front against the ruling Awami League.

National Citizen Party (NCP) northern chief organizer Sarjis Alam has questioned why BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has not returned to Bangladesh more than a year after the political upheaval. Speaking at a party meeting in Thakurgaon, Alam said he believes Rahman would face no obstacles if he came back, and urged all political groups to ensure a competitive but peaceful election process.

Alam emphasized that the NCP supports holding elections on schedule under the interim government and seeks a level playing field for all parties. He announced the formation of a Democratic Reform Alliance, uniting several reform-minded groups under a single electoral symbol. Alam also criticized corruption within law enforcement and warned that any officer acting as a partisan agent would face consequences.

He argued that the upcoming election may break the traditional two-party dominance and that a third political force could influence the outcome. The NCP, he said, aims to position itself as a centrist alternative advocating reform and resistance to external interference.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Fayzul Karim, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, has alleged that a conspiracy is underway to delay the country’s 13th national parliamentary election. Speaking at a campaign rally in Narayanganj on Tuesday, he warned that the people would not accept any attempt to postpone the election for the benefit of any individual or political group. He emphasized the need for a level playing field and a neutral interim government to ensure a credible vote early next February.

Karim cautioned that any use of muscle power, intimidation, or violence during the polls would be resisted. He said citizens no longer wish to support extortionists, terrorists, or corrupt figures, urging the government to guarantee an environment where voters can freely choose their preferred candidates. Senior party leaders, including Professor Mahbubur Rahman and Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, also addressed the gathering, attended by supporters who arrived in processions.

The remarks come amid growing political tension and uncertainty over the election schedule, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for national unity to preserve and strengthen the achievements of the 2024 mass uprising. Speaking at the book unveiling ceremony of Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah and his wife Salma Alo at the National Press Club on December 9, Fakhrul emphasized that differences among political parties must not undermine the movement’s sacrifices and outcomes.

He described Professor Mahbub Ullah as an extraordinary thinker and uncompromising advocate for citizens’ rights, voting rights, and economic justice. Fakhrul also paid tribute to Begum Rokeya on her birth anniversary, recognizing her role in women’s empowerment in South Asia. The event featured academics, journalists, and political figures including Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman and Saiful Haque, who echoed calls for unity and democratic consolidation.

Analysts note that Fakhrul’s remarks come as Bangladesh’s opposition seeks to maintain momentum following the uprising, amid ongoing political uncertainty and calls for institutional reform.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has announced that four political symbols, including the Awami League’s boat, will not appear on postal ballots for the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman El Mashud stated on Tuesday that symbols of parties whose registration has been suspended or cancelled will be excluded from the final postal ballot design.

Since party registration became mandatory in 2008, 59 political parties have been registered. The Awami League’s registration is currently suspended, while the Freedom Party (axe), United Citizens’ Movement (key), and PDP (tiger) have had their registrations cancelled. The EC clarified that symbols of deregistered parties remain under the commission’s authority and may still appear on ballots if necessary.

For this election, 118 symbols have been finalized. Postal ballots, which must be prepared and dispatched early, will include only symbols rather than candidate names. Voters will mark their chosen symbol after verifying candidate details through the EC’s app or website.

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam has confirmed that members of the interim government’s advisory council will not be allowed to contest in the upcoming national elections or participate in any campaign activities. Speaking to reporters on December 9, he said the Election Commission (EC) has taken this position in line with the electoral code of conduct, which prohibits anyone holding a government position from engaging in electioneering.

Islam noted that recent discussions had suggested some advisers might resign before the election schedule is announced to become candidates. However, he emphasized that as long as they hold government posts, they are ineligible to run. The commissioner also stated that all preparations for the election are nearly complete, including constituency delineation, appointment of returning officers, and formation of monitoring and law enforcement cells.

Another commissioner, Abdur Rahmanel Masud, added that maintaining law and order before the schedule announcement is not the EC’s responsibility, but ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates will be once the schedule is declared.

Bangladesh’s interim government has released the complete eight-volume report of the National Consensus Commission, detailing its recommendations, the July National Charter 2025, and summaries of consultations with political parties and alliances. The report also includes public opinion survey results and related documentation. According to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, all volumes are now accessible online at https://reform.gov.bd, alongside reports from ten other reform commissions.

Formed under the leadership of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the National Consensus Commission was established after the completion of six initial reform commissions. Professor Ali Riaz, head of the Constitutional Reform Commission, served as vice-chair. The commission incorporated heads of other reform bodies, later adjusted due to unavailability of some members. Following extensive dialogue with political parties and civil society, the July National Charter 2025 was finalized on July 31 and formally signed on October 17.

The government has already issued the ‘July National Charter Implementation (Constitution) Order,’ signaling the start of institutional reforms aligned with the commission’s recommendations.

Bangladesh’s interim government has urged all political and civic groups to refrain from organizing unauthorized rallies or demonstrations following the imminent announcement of the national election schedule. The decision was made at a Home Ministry meeting on December 9, under the directive of the Chief Adviser, as the country prepares for the 13th parliamentary election expected in early February.

Officials said the government’s primary goal is to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election. Nearly 900,000 members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies will be deployed nationwide, marking the largest security operation in the country’s electoral history. About 150,000 police officers have already received election-specific training. Authorities warned that any illegal gatherings or disruptive movements will be strictly controlled, and violators will face legal action.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury acknowledged citizens’ rights to protest but urged them to present their demands to the next elected government. He emphasized maintaining calm and avoiding activities that could disturb the electoral environment.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, according to an executive order announced on December 8. The order directs all state agencies to avoid contracts, funding, or employment ties with either group or their affiliates. The move mirrors a similar declaration made by Texas last month.

CAIR, a prominent U.S. Muslim civil rights organization founded in 1994 with 25 chapters nationwide, denounced the decision as unconstitutional and defamatory, vowing to challenge it in court. The federal government has not listed either CAIR or the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist entities. The Muslim Brotherhood, founded nearly a century ago in Egypt, claims to have renounced violence and supports democratic participation.

The designation underscores growing tensions between state-level policies and federal standards on terrorism classifications. Legal experts expect the issue to test the boundaries of state authority in defining foreign threats, with potential implications for interfaith relations and civil rights advocacy in the United States.